Adventures In Retro Computing - The TI-99/4A Speech Synthesizer, Do I Or Don't I?

I recently acquired a Speech Synthesizer expansion for my TI-99/4A and I was stunned to discover that it was still factory sealed and in an original box. I wrestled with the idea of opening it or keeping it sealed and I shot this little video about a day before I popped it out of the bag and hooked it up. Anyway, take a look and know that the decision has already been made! The Speech Synthesizer is connected and working great!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Texas
• Instruments
• TI-99/4A
• Retro
• Computing
• Computer
• Vintage
• Classic
• Speech
• Synthesizer

[drazil91]

Open it.

[Ogma01]

Oh, I opened it ages ago, thus the little annotation around 3:36 or so. :-)

[Pilotgeek]

Just open it. I hate it when people collect things just to have them in bubblewrap in their basement. Keeping them nice is important, but I've never really understood the whole mint condition thing. The speech synth was made to be used. It's like when people have classic cars but never drive them. It's one of my pet peeves. But hey, it's not mine, have fun with it either way =)

[Ogma01]

I opened it about six months ago (posted about that, as well) and I've been enjoying it. Very nice speech quality!

[Gvcova]

Use it, and pos a video.

[Ogma01]

I've tried it now with Parsec, Star Trek Strategic Operations Simulator and Micro Surgeon and it sounds pretty great! I haven't played with it via Basic yet, but I like the idea of a video, so stay tuned!

[djdiggla]

I can't believe u opened that... I always open stuff, but you can find these anywhere for $9... U had one that hadn't been opened even after in 30 years... I woulda resold it to a collector at the very least... but Whatevs... I bet it wasn't even really unopened... FAKE

[MaximumRD]

Cool. I just ordered a Ti99/4a. Will have to get one of these at some point.

[drazil91]

Whoops, missed that. I am having such fun reliving all those days way back when.

[seanschilling]

Yes, open it, it won't damage it at all.

[Pilotgeek]

It basically takes the words and runs them through an algorithm matching the individual sounds a word makes and then outputs sound. Wikipedia probably has an article on it.

[megamanfan3]

I first discovered a picture of a TI-99/4A computer in the book The incredible Machine by Nat. Geo. on page 232. It shows two elementary school students using two of the same model of the TI-99/4A.